Road changes in Newlyn go ahead despite opposition

Works to upgrade pavements, install pedestrian crossings and permanently close a bridge to traffic which have been criticised are to go ahead in Cornwall.

A local resident in Newlyn submitted a Freedom of Information (FoI) request to publish the results of a consultation on the project and found more than 75% of respondents were against the scheme.

A restaurant owner who runs three businesses in the town and employs 30 people said the scheme was a "car crash".

The local councillor said all of the objections had been "mitigated" and that "consultations are not referendums". Cornwall Council has not confirmed the reason behind the timing of the roadworks, which may take up to 10 weeks.

Cornwall Council closed Grade II-listed Old Bridge to traffic in a pilot scheme by installing bollards, which leaders said made it "safer for pedestrians and cyclists".

That closure is now being made permanent.

John Brooks submitted the FoI request to Cornwall Council and found more than 75% of the responses to a public consultation on the plans were unfavourable.

Of the 96 respondents, 23 supported and 62 objected, the FoI, seen by the BBC, said.

Brooks said: "It makes me think why bother taking part, nobody listens.

"They've got a preconceived idea of what they want to do and they're going to go ahead and do it without taking notice of what Joe Public thinks.

"The new system will have more yellow lines in place to stop people parking, but enforcement in Newlyn is a joke. No-one gets a ticket."

In a separate move, more than 550 people signed a petition calling for the "lifeline" bridge to be reopened to motorists.

Jamie McClean, who runs local restaurant Mackerel Sky and a delicatessen and employs about 30 people said the "whole thing has been like watching a slow-motion car crash".

He said: "The consultation process has been going on for a year-and-a-half and this is the worst possible outcome.

"The idea that objections have been mitigated against is false in my opinion because 75% of people are outright against it.

"This is going to result in a reduction in footfall and cost me thousands of pounds. No-one is going to want to come here and sit in traffic for half-an-hour.

"I'm not against any of the work going on but the timing is terrible."

He added: "It's business as normal for Cornwall Council - not supporting local businesses."

Thalia Marrington, Cornwall Councillor for Newlyn, Mousehole and St Buryan, said: "The project is really about accessibility and crossings because, at the moment, you have to take your life in your hands.

"I'm of the opinion that we've mitigated against most of the objections people raised.

"It's not like Cornwall Council just want to spend money. It's using shared prosperity funding to make this bustling village work for everyone.

"It's important to remember that consultations are not referendums, and I think social media creates echo chambers; but a lot of people who have moderate opinions step away because it's got so angry."

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